Panic gripped residents of Rock Garden City Estate in Jikwoyi, popularly known as Dangbana, in the early hours of Sunday after suspected bandits engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and escaping with ransom money allegedly meant to secure the release of a kidnapped victim.
The incident, which allegedly occurred between about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, is the latest in a series of violent attacks linked to growing kidnapping activities across the satellite communities of Jikwoyi, Orozo, Kurudu and Karshi within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to residents, the attackers had earlier abducted two women from Phase 4, Jikwoyi, and reportedly took them toward the rocky terrain near City College, an area locals believe serves as a hideout for criminal gangs operating in the axis.
The kidnappers were said to have subsequently contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.
Sources disclosed that before the gun battle erupted, relatives of one of the victims had successfully delivered a ransom to the abductors, leading to her release.
However, a second group carrying ransom money for the release of the other abducted woman reportedly arrived near Rock Garden City Estate during the night when members of the CJTF on routine checks became suspicious after noticing a large sum of cash being transported at such an unusual hour.
As the vigilantes attempted to investigate, the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire, triggering a violent exchange of gunfire.
In the ensuing confrontation, a CJTF operative identified as Mr. Sunday John was fatally shot while another individual sustained a gunshot injury to the hand.
The sound of gunfire attracted estate security personnel and residents, who joined efforts to repel the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that lasted several minutes.
Amid the confusion, the individual carrying the ransom reportedly fled for safety, while the kidnappers allegedly recovered the ransom money and escaped through the surrounding bush and rocky mountainside.
Residents said a commercial motorcyclist and his passenger, who were operating in the area around 11:00 p.m., were caught in the chaos. The motorcyclist abandoned his motorcycle at the CJTF office while fleeing the gunfire. However, when security operatives later returned to the location after retreating from the attackers, they discovered that the motorcycle had been set ablaze by yet-to-be-identified persons.
The killing of the CJTF operative has thrown the community into mourning. Mr. John was being buried in Jikwoyi on Sunday morning at the time this report was filed.
Residents paid glowing tributes to the slain vigilante, describing him as a brave community defender who paid the ultimate price in the service of protecting lives and property.
“We have lost a hero. These men continue to risk their lives daily to defend our communities despite limited resources,” a resident said.
The communities also expressed gratitude that both kidnapped women have now regained their freedom and reunited with their families.
The latest attack has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in the Abuja’s satellite communities, where residents say armed gangs have repeatedly carried out kidnappings, robberies and ransom extortion, forcing many people to live in constant fear.
Community leaders and residents have called on security agencies and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts around the rocky terrains of Jikwoyi and neighbouring communities, strengthen security patrols and restore lasting peace to the area.
They also offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the slain CJTF operative and for the speedy recovery of the injured victim, while urging authorities to take decisive action against the growing wave of insecurity in the nation’s capital’s outskirts.
Jikwoyi, Orozo and Kurudu, all satellite communities within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), have in recent years witnessed a resurgence of kidnappings and violent robberies allegedly perpetrated by armed criminal groups operating from remote and difficult terrains surrounding the communities.
Efforts to reach the police authorities for comments before filing this report have not been fruitful but ongoing.
Recal that since assuming office as the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi has adopted a hands-on approach to combating insecurity, personally leading several operations against kidnappers and armed criminal gangs operating within and around Abuja.
In one of the most notable operations in June 2026, the police chief led a joint tactical team comprising operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), local vigilantes and hunters to raid suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in the Paze and Byazhin communities. The operation resulted in the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, the arrest of two others, and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and other exhibits.
Security analysts have described the Commissioner’s direct involvement in field operations as a demonstration of renewed commitment by the FCT Police Command to confront the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crimes in the nation’s capital and its suburbs.
